From the vast Patagonian steppe to the coral reefs of the Galapagos Islands, the planet’s biodiversity is under alarming threat. With over a million species in danger of extinction, the urgent need to finance conservation efforts is strongly evident, especially in the context of World Wildlife Day, which this year has the theme “Finance for Nature: Investing in Biodiversity”. This commemoration highlights the vital importance of wild plants and animals, which are essential parts of Earth’s web of life and providers of services that sustain livelihoods, as over half of the world’s GDP depends on nature.
The impact of species loss is amplified by the activities of organized crime, particularly in Latin America. In nations like Ecuador, environmental crimes have emerged as a new financial pillar for these organizations, given their high profit potential and low risk. Leopoldo Fernández, head of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Ecuador, points out that species trafficking and illegal mining have become very lucrative opportunities for criminals, facilitating money laundering and reinforcing corruption in local structures.
These criminal networks are estimated to generate between $110 billion and $281 billion in illicit profits each year from these crimes, posing a threat to the global economy, as well as local security and the conservation of flora and fauna. The expansion of illegal mining has triggered devastating deforestation and the displacement of local communities and species, significantly contributing to biodiversity loss.
In response to this challenging situation, UNODC is implementing strategies to strengthen the capacities of institutions responsible for investigating environmental crimes. The aim is to ensure that collected evidence is robust and properly preserved for use in legal proceedings. Fernández emphasizes the complexity of the legal framework and the obstacles faced by investigators, who have to deal with corruption and a chronic lack of resources.
At the local level, initiatives such as workshops for park rangers and police officers are being carried out to teach them proper investigation techniques. Xavier Chango, deputy director of the Scientific Police in Ecuador, highlights the relevance of these trainings, which enable first responders to ensure the integrity of crime scenes and prevent the destruction of crucial evidence.
Conservation efforts also extend to the community level. Biologists like Ximena Ceballos are at the forefront of rescuing threatened species and organizing awareness talks on wildlife trafficking. In 2023, Ceballos managed to rescue 75 animals, including snakes, parrots, and turtles, highlighting the urgency of acting in an increasingly threatening environment.
However, combating biodiversity loss involves, as Ivonne Higuero, Secretary-General of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, points out, closing a financial gap that demands billions of dollars annually. As conservation mechanisms strengthen, it is essential to allocate greater resources to these efforts to ensure the survival of the flora and fauna that form the basis of our ecosystems and, ultimately, our lives.
Referrer: MiMub in Spanish